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Abstract:

A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form
a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when
the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is
expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled
configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.

Claims:

1. An apparatus, comprising:a first flexible material having an outer
perimeter portion;a second flexible material having an inner perimeter
portion and an outer perimeter portion, the second flexible material
being formed with at least one of a nylon material or a polyester
material, the inner perimeter portion of the second flexible material
being fixedly connected to the outer perimeter portion of the first
flexible material, the outer perimeter portion of the second flexible
material defining an inflatable chamber, the inflatable chamber defining
a closed loop, the first flexible material being disposed within the
closed loop,the second flexible material having an extended configuration
when inflated for use in water and a collapsed configuration when not
inflated, the inflatable chamber being a sufficient size when inflated to
maintain the apparatus in the extended configuration and support the
weight of a user of the apparatus when the apparatus is disposed in water
and the user is disposed in a supine position on the apparatus, the first
flexible material being formed with a mesh material such that at least a
portion of the user's body is exposed to water when the user is disposed
on the apparatus; andan inflatable pillow fixedly coupled to at least one
of the first flexible material or the second flexible material and being
at least partially disposed within the closed loop defined by the
inflatable chamber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a spring coupled to the
second flexible material and configured to form a closed loop, the spring
being moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is
collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable pillow is disposed
offset from the outer perimeter portion of the first flexible material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a membrane coupled to the
inflatable pillow, the inflatable pillow is disposed between the membrane
and at least one of the first flexible material or the second flexible
material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a valve coupled to the
second flexible material and configured to communicate air to a portion
of the inflatable chamber of the second flexible material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inflatable
chamber has a diameter when inflated of approximately 3 inches.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable pillow having a length
and a width when inflated, the width being greater than the length to
support a user's head above a remaining portion of the user's body when
the inflatable pillow is inflated.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flexible material is
substantially planar when the inflatable chamber of the second flexible
material is inflated and the second flexible material is in the extended
configuration.

9. An apparatus, comprising:a first flexible material having an outer
perimeter portion;a second flexible material having an inner perimeter
portion and defining a first inflatable bladder, the inner perimeter
portion of the second flexible material being coupled to the outer
perimeter portion of the first flexible material;the first inflatable
bladder being a sufficient size when inflated to support a user on the
apparatus when the apparatus is disposed in water and the user is
disposed in a supine position on the apparatus;a second inflatable
bladder coupled to at least one of the first flexible material or the
second flexible material; anda third flexible material coupled to at
least one of the first flexible material or the second flexible material,
the third flexible material forming a pocket, the second inflatable
bladder being disposed within the pocket of the third flexible material.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:a sleeve having an inner
perimeter portion coupled to the outer perimeter portion of the first
flexible material, the second flexible material disposed at least
partially within the sleeve.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:a spring coupled to an
outer perimeter portion of the second flexible material, the spring
configured to form a closed loop, the spring being moveable between a
coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled
configuration when the spring is expanded.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first flexible material is a
mesh material and the second flexible material is one of a nylon material
or a polyester material.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:a valve coupled to the
first inflatable bladder, the valve configured to communicate air to the
first inflatable bladder.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:a first valve coupled to
the first inflatable bladder, the first valve configured to communicate
air to the first inflatable bladder; anda second valve coupled to the
second inflatable bladder, the second valve configured to communicate air
to the second inflatable bladder.

15. An apparatus, comprising:a first flexible material having an outer
perimeter portion;a second flexible material defining an inflatable
chamber and an inner perimeter portion, the inner perimeter portion of
the second flexible material being fixedly connected to the outer
perimeter portion of the first flexible material;an inflatable pillow
coupled to at least one of the first flexible material or the second
flexible material, at least a portion of a perimeter portion of the
inflatable pillow portion being disposed offset from the outer perimeter
portion of the first flexible material, the inflatable pillow portion
having a size when inflated sufficient to support a head of a user of the
apparatus above a remaining portion of the user's body when the apparatus
is disposed in water and the user is disposed in a supine position on the
apparatus; anda valve coupled to the second flexible material, the valve
configured to communicate air to the inflatable chamber of the second
flexible material.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:a spring coupled to the
second flexible material, the spring forming a closed loop and being
moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and
an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the valve is a first valve, the
apparatus further comprising:a second valve coupled to the inflatable
pillow and configured to communicate air to the inflatable pillow.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first flexible material is a
mesh material and the second flexible material is at least one of a nylon
material or a polyester material.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first flexible material has an
outer most perimeter defining a shape of the first flexible material in a
top view when the inflatable bladder of the second flexible material is
inflated,the second flexible material has an outer most perimeter
defining a shape of the second flexible material in a top view when the
inflatable bladder of the second flexible material is inflated, the shape
of the first flexible material in the top view being different than the
shape of the second flexible material in the top view when the inflatable
bladder of the second flexible material is inflated.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first flexible material has a
maximum length greater than a maximum width of the first flexible
material, the first flexible material has a centerline defined along the
maximum length of the first flexible material,the inflatable pillow has a
maximum width greater than a maximum length of the inflatable pillow, the
inflatable pillow has a centerline defined along the maximum length of
the inflatable pillow, the centerline of the inflatable pillow is
substantially aligned with the centerline of the first flexible material.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the
inflatable chamber has a diameter when inflated of approximately 3
inches.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first flexible material is
substantially planar when the inflatable chamber of the second flexible
material is inflated.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/028,227, filed Feb. 8, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/554,197, filed Oct. 30, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No.
7,335,080), which is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/143,703, filed Jun. 3,
2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,930), which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/847,339, filed May 18, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No.
7,147,528), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/295,906, filed Nov. 18, 2002, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,524), which is
also a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/772,739, filed Jan.
30, 2001, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,344), which claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/238,988, filed Oct. 10, 2000; the
entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to inflatable flotation devices. In
particular, the present invention relates to inflatable flotation devices
which are collapsible through use of a spring mechanism.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]Inflatable flotation devices are well known in the form of floats,
rafts, lifeboats, life preservers and other like devices. Previously
known devices generally maintain their shape through air pressure alone
and generally collapse when deflated.

[0006]In one of many examples, U.S. Pat. No. 3,775,782 issued to Rice et
al. describes an inflatable rescue raft. When deflated, the raft can be
rolled into a compact size.

[0007]Also well known in the art are collapsible items which are
collapsible through the use of a collapsible metal or plastic spring.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784 shows an automobile sun shade which uses these
collapsible springs. The springs are also used in children's play
structures (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,618,246 and 5,560,385) and tent-like shade
structures (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,579,799 and 5,467,794).

[0008]The collapsible springs are typically retained or held within fabric
sleeves provided along the edges of a piece of fabric or other panel. The
collapsible springs may be provided as one continuous loop, or may be a
strip or strips of material connected at the ends to form a continuous
loop. These collapsible springs are usually formed of flexible coilable
steel, although other materials such as plastics are also used. The
collapsible springs are usually made of a material which is relatively
strong and yet is flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be
coiled. Thus, each collapsible spring is capable of assuming two
configurations, a normal uncoiled or expanded configuration, and a coiled
or collapsed configuration in which the spring is collapsed into a size
which is much smaller than its open configuration. The springs may be
retained within the respective fabric sleeves without being connected
thereto. Alternatively, the sleeves may be mechanically fastened,
stitched, fused, or glued to the springs to retain them in position.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009]A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured
to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled
configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration
when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in
the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve. The
sleeve includes an inflatable portion disposed about at least a portion
of the circumference.

[0010]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
collapsible flotation device.

[0011]It is another object of the present invention to provide a
collapsible flotation device which is easily collapsed and extended to
full size through a mechanical means.

[0012]It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
collapsible flotation device which is easily collapsed and extended to
full size through the use of a spring.

[0013]It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a
collapsible flotation device which requires minimal force to twist and
fold into the collapsed configuration.

[0014]Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the
foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention taken along line II-II of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a view of a joining method as used in one embodiment of
the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the present
invention;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the alternate embodiment of the
present invention across line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the present
invention, taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7; and

[0023]FIG. 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024]The following detailed description is of the best presently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not
to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of
illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.

[0025]The present invention provides a collapsible flotation device. The
device includes a coilable metal or plastic spring. The coilable spring
can be made from other materials, however, it is important that the
coilable spring be made from a material that is strong and flexible. The
spring must be coilable such that it folds on top of itself to become
more compact. In its uncoiled state, the coilable spring can be round or
oval or any shape satisfactory for use as a flotation device. Because it
is to be used in water, the coilable spring is preferably either
manufactured from a waterproof material or coated to protect any material
which is not waterproof. The coilable spring can be a single continuous
element or can include a joining means, such as a sleeve, for joining the
ends of one or more spring elements together. The coilable spring can be
of any appropriate shape and dimension. The coilable spring also has
memory such that is biased to return to its uncoiled configuration when
not held in the coiled configuration.

[0026]Stretched across the coilable spring is a flexible panel of
material. The flexible panel can be one continuous piece or can be made
up of several different types of material. In a preferred embodiment, the
center portion of the flexible panel is mesh to allow water to flow
through while the perimeter edges are nylon or polyester. At the edges of
the flotation device, the material is a double thickness, forming a
pocket around the perimeter of the flotation device. In this pocket are
one or more inflatable chambers. One inflatable chamber may surround the
entire perimeter of the flotation device or it may be divided into two or
more inflatable chambers with each inflatable chamber having a means for
inflating and deflating the inflatable chamber. In a preferred
embodiment, one inflatable chamber is specifically designed to
accommodate the user's head. In this embodiment, the pocket formed by the
material is wider along a small portion of the perimeter of the flotation
device to allow for a wider inflatable chamber. This will prevent the
user's head from sinking below the rest of the user's body. The size of
the inflatable chamber can vary significantly and need only be as wide as
necessary to support the user's body weight. A preferred embodiment
includes an inflatable chamber which is 3 inches in diameter when
inflated. The inflatable chamber can be made from any appropriate float
material but is preferably resistant to punctures. The coilable spring
may also be located within the perimeter pocket. If one inflatable
chamber is selected, the coilable spring can be placed inside or outside
the inflatable chamber. If multiple inflatable chambers are used, the
coilable spring will be outside the inflatable chambers. Alternatively,
the coilable spring may be located outside the perimeter pocket along the
outer edge of the flotation device. The coilable spring may be attached
to the flexible panel through mechanical means such as fastening,
stitching, fusing, or gluing.

[0027]A preferred embodiment of the flotation device is shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 in its expanded configuration. The perimeter pocket 12 portion of
the flexible panel is nylon while the central portion 14 of the flexible
panel is made from a mesh material. The pillow 16 is part of the
perimeter pocket 12 as it includes a double layer of fabric to accept an
inflatable chamber 20 between the layers of fabric. In this particular
embodiment, there are two inflatable chambers 20 in the perimeter pocket
of the flotation device and one in the pillow 16, each of which includes
a means for inflating the inflatable chamber 20. The inflation means is a
valve on the underside of the flotation device. The inflatable chambers
20 in the perimeter pocket of the flotation device expand to
approximately a 3-inch diameter when inflated. The coilable spring 18 is
made from flexible, collapsible steel and is coated with a layer of PVC
22 to protect the coilable spring 18 from corroding and rusting due to
contact with water during normal use of the flotation device. The
coilable spring 18 also has memory such that will open to its uncoiled
configuration when not held in the coiled configuration. The coilable
spring 18 can be a single unitary element or can include sleeves 24 for
joining the ends of one or more strips as shown in FIG. 3 in which the
ends of the coilable spring 18 within the sleeve 24 are shown in dashed
lines for clarification.

[0028]Alternatively or in addition to the perimeter inflatable chambers,
the device can include inflatable chambers 26 which cross the panel as
shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further alternate embodiment of the
present invention in which the coilable spring 18 is attached to the
external perimeter of the pocket portion 12 of the flexible panel through
the use of a mechanical means. In this particular embodiment, several
loops 28 are used to attach the coilable spring 18 to the pocket portion
12 of the flexible panel.

[0029]While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the
present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims
are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true
scope and spirit of the present invention.